Palmetto State Extra: The Small Business Report

*Wilbert Rice AKA Infinite Completed His Latest Mural*

Recently, local artist Wilbert Rice aka Infinite completed his latest mural at the City Center Farmers Market just in time for the April 2nd Wine and Food Market Brunch. The theme of his vibrant mural is about local and organic produce. Infinite says that the fruits and vegetables displayed in the art are what he often sees in the gardens of surrounding areas. He believes that farming is an art that everyone can apply to their own lives whether it's a task or a personal goal. According to Infinite, when you are striving for achievement you should approach your task just like a farmer growing a garden. This is why he designed his masterpiece to say " Cultivate A Good Life." The mural added an excellent addition to the farmer's market where locally grown fruits and vegetables are displayed around his art. Infinite's intention for the mural is in harmony with the surrounding atmosphere. Anyone interested in any beautification projects with art, please feel free to contact Infinite by phone 843-230-3491 or email him at mekqahouse@yahoo.com

*Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Celebrated The Groundbreaking*

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking for its new South Carolina Rescue Campus. The ceremony was held on April 14th, 2022 at 6PM at 2508 North Williston Road, Florence, SC 29506. The campus will greatly increase Lucky Dog’s lifesaving capacity and provide important resources to the people and pets of Florence County, SC.

*Florence Metro Had 4.3% Overall Unemployment Rate In 2021*

The U.S. job market has made great strides in its recovery since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, the unemployment rate skyrocketed to 14.7%, the highest it's been since the Great Depression. But since spring of 2020, the unemployment rate has fallen steadily and currently stands below 4%, just slightly higher than the pre-pandemic rate of 3.5%. While all sectors of the economy were impacted by the pandemic and shutdown in early 2020, some parts of the economy have bounced back more quickly than others.

*SC Governor's Awards In The Humanities*

All nominations should be sent by May 14, 2022, to the attention of Dr. Randy Akers, SC Humanities, P.O. Box 5287, Columbia, SC 29250. Nominations can also be emailed to rlakers@schumanities.org. Nominations must include: a letter describing the contributions of the nominee (up to three pages); a resume or C.V. for nominated individuals; 2-3 letters of support for nominated organizations/institutions; and contact information for the nominee, including name, phone number, and email address. Please note that individuals, organizations, and/or institutions may not nominate themselves.

*Tidelands Health To Serve As Official Health System For Carolina Country Music Fest*

The region’s largest health care provider is once again serving as the official health system of the premier festival, which attracted a sell-out crowd of 35,000 people last year.

“Our team of experts is happy to share useful tips to help festival-goers have a safe experience as they take in all the fun and incredible performances that Carolina Country Music Fest offers,” said Ashley Capps, vice president of nursing and operations at Tidelands Health.

Set for June 9-12 at Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place, CCMF will feature performances by more than 30 artists including Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Chase Rice.

Tidelands Health representatives will be on site throughout the festival to distribute health and wellness information.